Nigeria: Rep Laguda Moves Motion to Avert Loss of Lives Over Substandard Locally Made CNG

28 November 2024
Vanguard (Lagos)
By Idowu Bankole

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Polytechnic Education, Rt. Hon Fuad Laguda representing Surulere Constituency 1, has moved a motion on the floor of the House for the urgent need for legislation to back the Presidential CNG Initiative to avert further carnage leading to loss of lives due to the production of locally fabricated CNG tanks by artisans.

The Federal Government's Presidential CNG Initiative seeks to promote the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner, more affordable alternative to petrol and diesel in vehicles, thereby reducing dependence on imported fuel, lowering emissions, and making transportation more cost-effective for Nigerians. The initiative is a component of the Palliative intervention of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration intervention program to cushion the resultant hardship effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

Recall that Vanguard reported an incident in Edo State, where an explosion of a locally fabricated CNG cylinder, in a bid to cut corners, resulted in the loss of lives, numerous injuries, and property damage, has highlighted the critical need to address the safety and integrity of CNG tanks produced and used in Nigeria.

Fuad Laguda, worried by a pockets of tragic incidents that have been recorded recently, sponsored the motion to back the presidential Initiative on CNG to ensure further loss of lives are averted by the locally made CNG by artisans trying to cut corners with substandard materials for production.

According to the Laguda's motion "Without immediate legislative intervention to regulate the production, testing and certification of CNG tanks and installation processes more Nigerians will continue to face the risk of similar explosions, injuries, and fatalities.

The motion also drew attention to, "the use of substandard materials, faulty installations and inadequate testing of CNG cylinders before their deployment in vehicles could undermine the success of the Presidential CNG Initiative and lead to widespread public mistrust in CNG technology; the absence of mandatory integrity checks for CNG tanks and the vehicles they are mounted on further compounds the risks associated with the use of compressed natural gas for transportation;

The motion equally acknowledged the significant benefits that could be derived from the widespread adoption of CNG technology, including reduced transportation costs, improved air quality, and a boost to Nigeria's domestic gas industry.

Laguda commends the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts under the Presidential CNG Initiative, while emphasizing the need to prioritize safety and compliance to maximize the benefits of CNG adoption for Nigerians.

Recognizing that there is an urgent need to address the safety concerns associated with CNG use in Nigeria to prevent further carnage, safeguard lives and protect public confidence in CNG as a viable alternative fuel:

The motion resolves to

  1. Urge the House to urgently propose and enact legislation that will regulate the production, installation and use of CNG tanks and systems in vehicles, ensuring that such processes meet internationally accepted safety standards and prevent the fabrication of substandard CNG tanks by unqualified individuals;
  2. Mandate the House Committee on Gas Resources and the Committee on Industry to investigate the CNG cylinder explosion in Edo State that resulted in the tragic loss of lives and severe injuries to identify the causes and prevent future occurrences;
  3. Urge the relevant department of Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to collaborate on enforcing strict certification standards for the production and installation of CNG tanks and ensure that only qualified and accredited workshops are authorized to carry out CNG vehicle conversions;
  4. Request the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW) and other relevant agencies to develop training and certification programs for local artisans and workshops involved in CNG tank fabrication and installation to ensure that only certified professionals handle such highly sensitive tasks;
  5. Advocate for the creation of a mandatory inspection and certification program for all vehicles using CNG, including periodic integrity checks of both the CNG cylinders and the vehicles on which they are mounted, thereby preventing dangerous failures;
  6. Request the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to work in conjunction with relevant government bodies to monitor and enforce environmental safety standards in the manufacturing and usage of CNG tanks;
  7. Direct the Nigerian Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to establish clear guidelines for the safe conversion of vehicles to CNG use and ensure that these guidelines are adhered to by all workshops and vehicle conversion centers;
  8. Urge the PCNGi to arrange frequent sensitization programs and exercises nationwide. This initiative will significantly enhance public awareness of the conversion process, safety regulations and maintenance procedures. Through consistent engagement and education, the risk of accidents and safety violations can be minimized, a more informed citizenry will not only adhere to safety regulations but also contribute to a safer, more efficient energy sector.

Read the original article on Vanguard.

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